New York: Sperry joins forces with Japanese label Beams Plus to celebrate its 90th anniversary with a limited-edition Nylon CVO shoe. This collaboration fuses 1960s nautical heritage with modern aesthetics, alongside a capsule collection of apparel inspired by Ivy and prep styles.
In a significant release that intertwines history with modern aesthetics, Sperry has unveiled its latest collaboration with the Japanese label Beams Plus, initially teased during Paris Fashion Week Men’s in June. The new collection masterfully merges Sperry’s nautical heritage of the 1960s and ’70s with contemporary elements, marking a noteworthy moment in the evolution of fashion.
At the heart of this collaboration is the Sperry x Beams Plus Nylon CVO shoe, available in three distinctive colourways: white, red, and navy. This limited-edition model pays homage to Sperry’s Circular Vamp Oxford (CVO), an iconic design created in 1935 by Paul Sperry, the brand’s founder. His innovation—drawing inspiration from the slip-resistant qualities of his dog’s paw pads—resulted in the world’s first non-slip boat shoe, featuring uniquely patterned grooves cut into rubber soles.
The Sperry x Beams Plus Nylon CVO is meticulously recreated using an exclusive Beams Plus last, complete with a custom Beams Plus Top-Sider logo featured on both the insole and heel patch. Further enhancing its appeal, the shoe boasts heavy-duty nylon uppers and Sperry’s recognised Razor-Cut Wave-Siping, which ensures superior traction, suitable for both land and sea.
“Standing on 90 years of history, the CVO is a timeless icon of American style,” said Jonathan Frankel, the president of Sperry. He highlights the significance of this collaboration by stating that it “celebrates the rich heritage of the Paul Sperry original and offers a piece of fashion history reimagined with a modern aesthetic by the Americana experts at Beams Plus.” This reflects the brand’s commitment to preserving its storied history while integrating modern sensibilities, a key tactic in maintaining relevance in the rapidly shifting landscape of fashion.
Complementing the footwear, Beams Plus has designed an entire capsule collection of apparel and accessories, crafted from specially selected vintage-inspired fabrics. This impressive lineup includes a sailing jacket, various outerwear designs, trousers, knits, shorts, t-shirts, crewnecks, and a cap from Quaker Marine Supply. The aesthetic ties back to the roots of Ivy and prep styles, which have long been associated with both Sperry and Beams Plus.
“This collaboration with Sperry is a tribute to our long-standing partnership and a celebration of their 90th Anniversary! Sperry has been a cornerstone of ivy style, prep style, and Beams Plus, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support and dedicated fanbase,” expressed Hideki Mizobata, director of Beams Plus. He elaborated on the collaborative effort, stating, “To commemorate this milestone, we’ve expanded the collection with apparel under the theme ‘Head to Shoes,’ putting heartfelt effort into creating original fabrics and styles.” Mizobata’s remarks underline the significance of this release not only as a fashion statement but also as a celebration of shared heritage.
The Sperry x Beams Plus Nylon CVO, priced at $100, will launch on February 13 at Beams Plus locations in Japan and select specialty retailers worldwide, as well as online at Sperry.com and Beams.co.jp. Additionally, the full collection will be available for a limited time at the Beams Plus pop-up store located at 199 Mulberry Street in New York from February 13 through February 28.
This collaboration undeniably echoes the historic moments that have shaped the course of fashion, reflecting both brands’ dedication to timeless style while simultaneously appealing to modern consumers.
Source: Noah Wire Services
